A few days later, just three days before the full moon, I found myself standing in the estate’s sunroom with Anya, surrounded by wedding magazines, fabric samples, and an array of flowers.
She was planning for her wedding to Alexander, and although I wanted to be anywhere but here what with my wolf becoming more desperate for the full moon, I couldn’t say no when she asked me for my help.
“What do you think of this one?” Anya held up a magazine, pointing to a dress with intricate beadwork across the bodice. “Too much? Not enough?”
I forced my lips into what I hoped was a convincing smile. “It’s beautiful. The beading would catch the light perfectly during the ceremony.”
My wolf stirred restlessly at the mention of the ceremony, and I shoved her down before she could start whining again.
Full moon or not, this was about Anya, not me. Not my broken heart or the way I wanted to cry every time I thought about watching Alexander slip a ring onto someone else’s finger or the way the pull of the impending full moon was making me twice as miserable as usual.
“You’re right.” Anya beamed and set the magazine aside, reaching for another stack. “Alexander mentioned he wants the ceremony to be elegant but not too over the top. It should be practical.”
That sounded like something he would say.
Needing something to do with my hands, I picked up a sample of ivory silk and ran it between my fingers. The fabric was smooth and luxurious. “This would be perfect,” I said, handing it to Anya.
“Oh, Stella, you’re so good at this.” Anya beamed radiantly. “I’m so glad you’re here to help me. I have no idea what I’m doing.”
I forced another smile, but every suggestion I made felt like swallowing glass. I tried not to turn my bitterness on her, though; it wasn’t her fault that I was in this predicament.
“What will you do if you find a cure for the curse?” my wolf asked. “Will you stop the wedding? Ask them to get a divorce?”
Admittedly, I hadn’t thought that far ahead. The whole encounter with the so–called “witch” still felt like a fever dream, and frankly, I didn’t want to hold onto false hopes.
“We’ll cross that bridge if we come to it,” I replied curtly. My wolf chuffed in response and retreated, clearly miffed by my cold response.
Anya and I spent the next two hours going through venue decorations, menu options, and flower arrangements. Anya wanted sunflowers–bright and cheerful, just like her. With each decision, the wedding became more real and tangible, and my heart cracked a little deeper.
“I think that’s enough for today,” Anya finally said, stretching her arms above her head. “Thank you for helping me. I know this can’t be easy for you.”
1/2
My hands stilled on the fabric samples I was collecting. “What do you mean?”
“The gossip from the announcement ceremony. People thinking Alexander chose you first.” Anya’s expression grew soft. “I can’t imagine how awkward this must be.”
If only she knew just how awkward. If only she knew I was the dead Luna reincarnated, that Alexander was my mate, that helping plan his wedding to another woman was slowly killing me from the inside.
“It’s fine,” I said quietly. “Really. I’m happy for you.”
And I was. Underneath all the pain and jealousy and heartbreak, I was happy that Anya would get the life she wanted. She deserved to help her family, deserved to be Luna, deserved all the good things coming her way.
I just wished it didn’t hurt so damn much.
After we finished cleaning up, I found myself wandering the corridors until I reached Lilith’s room. I entered without knocking, and found her reading in the chair by the window. She smiled and set her book aside.
“What’s on your mind, dear?” she asked.
I plopped into the seat across from her and sighed. I hadn’t told her about the witch yet, figuring she’d just tell me I was crazy for even entertaining it, but finally couldn’t hold back anymore.
2/2
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.

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